Mysterious 'Creepy' Sculptures in Wrexham: Unveiling Britain's Industrial Heritage
Wrexham residents were left perplexed when a group of life-sized, human-shaped figures suddenly appeared in a field near the former Brymbo Steelworks, only to disappear just as mysteriously. The sudden appearance of around 15 casts sparked curiosity and speculation, with some describing the scene as 'spooky' and 'freaky'.
One resident, Jess Jones, expressed her confusion on Facebook, wondering aloud if she was imagining things. Her husband thought she was 'going mad' when she described the silver 'statues' she had seen. The figures, it turned out, were part of an artistic installation by Cheshire-based artist Colin Spofforth, titled One Man Army.
Spofforth's project aims to explore Britain's lost industrial and social heritage by placing repeated casts of a single, solemn figure in locations shaped by work and industry. Each installation is a temporary, moving exhibition, filmed and shared on social media before moving on. This leaves behind a lasting impact on the communities it visits, sparking conversations and images that linger long after the figures have vanished.
The figures were strategically positioned opposite the former steelworks, a site with a rich history. Built in 1796, the steelworks once employed around 2,500 people at its peak, but steel production ended in 1990, leading to the loss of 1,100 jobs. This closure marked a significant shift in the area's industrial landscape.
Lisa Rumsey, a resident of Brymbo, encountered Colin Spofforth and his son during the installation process. She described the experience as 'something really special', noting how the sculptures 'lifted' the space and added new meaning to the surroundings, seamlessly tying into the story of Stori Brymbo. Spofforth's work, including a life-size statue of Owain Glyndwr erected in Corwen, Denbighshire, in 2007, can be found across the UK and internationally, reflecting his exploration of the connection between people and place, and the power of art to spark belonging, memory, and curiosity.
